Turkish Airlines launches Santiago-Istanbul route

Pack your bags, Chile—Turkish Airlines has officially touched down with its shiny new Santiago-Istanbul route! That’s right, the airline famous for having more countries in its network than you can count (well, 131 to be exact) is now making sure Chile is firmly on the international map. So, whether you’ve been dreaming of wandering the Grand Bazaar or just sampling Turkish delight while cruising through Istanbul, your next flight could be just a ticket away.

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The Details: Four Flights a Week, and Plenty of Room to Stretch Your Legs!

The Turkish Airlines flight (tk2-15) made its debut touch down in Santiago at 09:45 which happens to be quite warm. With this, it can be said that there has been a remarkable improvement in the global connectivity of Chile. The said route will function four times a week and will be using the Airbus A350-900, which is capable of accommodating up to 324 passengers. With such capacity, it would be feasible for individuals to socialize, get a little too many snacks, and still have room left over.

From Santiago to Istanbul: Flights depart at 11:40 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with a convenient 1.5-hour stop in São Paulo for a little layover adventure. You’ll arrive in Istanbul at 11:20 the next day—hello, perfect timing for a post-flight kebab.
From Istanbul to Santiago: Flights leave at 20:35 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with another São Paulo pitstop. Arrive in Santiago at 09:45, just in time for some Chilean breakfast pastries (but hey, we’ll miss those Turkish ones).

Why This Route Is a Big Deal (Hint: It’s Not Just the Food)

This route is more than just a new way to get a great view of the Andes from the sky. Officials are pumped about how it will boost tourism, trade, and employment in Chile. Economy Minister Nicolás Grau can’t wait to see more international commerce roll in, while Transport Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz is all about the improved global connectivity (and maybe the possibility of more Turkish Airlines food carts).

The Big Picture: 8 Years in the Making

This isn’t just a quick hop across the globe. It’s a collaboration that’s been brewing for 8 years, and it’s all part of Chile’s big plan to attract global travelers and become a more prominent player in the international market. So, if you’re a frequent flyer, your bucket list just got a little more interesting—and you can thank Turkish Airlines for that.